Micro-Cap

Micro-Cap
Original authorsAndy Thompson, Tim O'Brien, Bill Steele
DeveloperSpectrum Software
ReleaseSeptember 1982;
44 years ago (1982-09)
Final release
12.2.0.5 / June 17, 2021; 5 years ago (2021-06-17)
Operating systemWindows 2K, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
PlatformIA-32, x86-64
Size58 MB
Available inEnglish
TypeElectronic design automation
LicenseFreeware
WebsiteWebsite archive

Micro-Cap is a SPICE compatible analog/digital circuit simulator with an integrated schematic editor that provides an interactive sketch and simulate environment for electronics engineers. It was developed by Spectrum Software, and was only available with a paid commercial license. In July 2019, Spectrum Software closed down and Micro-Cap was released as freeware. Software updates and technical support are no longer available. In early 2023, their website went offline, though it was previously backed up at archive.org.

Version history

The name Micro-Cap was derived from the term Microcomputer Circuit Analysis Program. The forerunners to the Micro-Cap simulator were the Logic Designer and Simulator. Released in June 1980, this product was the first integrated circuit editor and logic simulation system available for personal computers. Its primary goal was to provide a “circuit creation and simulation” environment for digital simulation.

In August 1981, the analog equivalent of the first program, Circuit Designer and Simulator, was released. Its integrated text editor created circuit descriptions for a simple, linear, analog simulator. September 1982 saw the release of the first Micro-Cap package as a successor to the Circuit Designer and Simulator.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Thompson, Andy. "Micro-CAP: An Analog Circuit Design System for Personal Computers". IEEE Computer Society. IEEE. Archived from the original on 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  2. ↑ "Micro-Cap Price List". Micro-Cap. Archived from the original on November 8, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Commercial Circuit Simulator Goes Free". Hack-A-Day. January 8, 2020. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023.
  4. ↑ Final archive of Spectrum Software website; February 19, 2023.
Notes